The Eckerd women’s soccer team trained and attended remote classes for nearly four weeks at an off-campus facility, spending nearly all their time together and building camaraderie. Photos by Brittany Iamele
After a month away from campus due to relocation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Eckerd College women’s soccer team returned to the Johnson Athletic Field on Oct. 30 for an intense 2–2 draw against the University of Tampa.
This game marked not only the team’s first time back on campus since the hurricanes, making the match a special moment for the entire athletic community. The women’s team had spent the past month in Umatilla, Florida, where the players adapted to an extended, away-from-home season—practicing, living and training off-site in challenging conditions.
For nearly four weeks, the women’s team made Umatilla their temporary home, a location chosen to allow continued practice and team operations despite the impact of the hurricanes on Eckerd’s facilities. Living in close quarters and spending nearly all their time together, the players built an intense camaraderie—sharing meals, training side by side daily and relying on one another for motivation through the challenges. The disruption of their season meant adapting to a new environment while balancing academics and athletic goals, which only added to the significance of finally returning to their home field.
Athletic Director Tom Ryan ’87 remarked on the team’s return, saying, “Playing on our home field again was something the players and coaches had been looking forward to. You could feel the energy from the crowd and the sense of anticipation from our team.”
Eckerd students, faculty, staff and alumni filled the stands to cheer on the Tritons, showing a shared sense of relief and excitement to see sports back in action on campus. The anticipation was evident from the outset, as Eckerd set a fast tempo, eager to make the most of the players’ time back at Johnson Field.
The Tritons struck early in the match, with first-year forward Freija Aflenzer finding the back of the net just five minutes in. Assisted by sophomore Jillian Doerger, the goal set the tone for an aggressive first half. Shortly afterward, Eckerd capitalized again when sophomore Olivia Ozbolt scored in the 34th minute, assisted once more by Jillian, giving Eckerd a 2–0 lead going into halftime. This early advantage highlighted the team’s confidence and cohesion, despite recent disruptions.
Sophomore Jillian Doerger takes a shot on goal.
“After returning from Umatilla, it felt so good to be back on our home field under the lights,” Olivia says. “I think the energy was high on and off the field, creating such a fun environment to play in. It was great to be back and to see our supportive families and friends at our Teal Out game.
First-year forward Freija Aflenzer charges down the pitch.
The second half, however, saw Tampa regroup and intensify its offensive efforts. While Eckerd’s defense held strong, Tampa managed to break through with a goal in the 62nd minute and scored again in the closing moments to even the score at 2–2.
Not even the game’s draw, though, could dampen the celebratory atmosphere of being back on campus. For the Eckerd athletes and their supporters, the evening was about more than the scoreboard—it was a return to the familiar routines, fields and fans that define Eckerd Athletics.
